Colour Your House to Sell

Although we are not consciously aware of it, colour can soothe and relax us, energize and uplift us and even influence our decision making. The purchase of a home is a decision based on both logic and emotion. Colour plays a significant role on our emotions. Our home is our place of solitude, ideally a peaceful retreat in a busy and hectic world.

A buyer can just as easily "fall in love" or be revolted by an otherwise beauitifully laid out floor plan, depending upon the colour scheme. Though tastes vary significantly, most buyers are attracted to non-descript neutral shades, rather than to wild purple stripes or neon orange walls because they are better able to mentally "customize" the home to suit their tastes. First impressions count when you are trying to sell your home. From a buyer's perspective, what you see is what you get. Many purchasers cannot see beyond the surface.

·        Give builder's beige some pizzazz with colourful accent pieces such as artwork, pillows, florals, or area rugs to create more interest, balance and punch.

·        Bold-coloured, heavy fabric curtains can create too much contrast and make a room seem smaller. Achieve a softer look or a feeling or more spaciousness by replacing them with white or cream sheers.

·        Slipcover loud patterned furniture in neutral tones for a more updated and appealing look. Bring in colour with accents.

·        To make your home seem larger, use the same colour throughout rather than different colours in each room. It is better to stay with light neutral colours or a popular colour in a toned down shade.

·        Modernize your home by painting dated wood doors and trim with a light colour.

·        Give dark, dreary and dated kitchen and bathroom cabinets an instant facelift by painting them with white or cream melamine paint. Replace old fashioned hardware with more modern hardware.

·        If your bedspread or comforter is looking old and worn, replace it with something modern and cheerful. Buyers will find your bedroom more appealing, and besides this, you get to take it to your new home.

·        Wooden spindles and risers on a dark wood staircase can be painted cream or white for an elegant, more current look. The banister and stairs can be left in wood tone.

·        Get rid of that dark dungeon in the basement by painting the dark faux-wood panelling into a bright liveable rec room using a light neutral shade.

·        Pay attention to the front door; the buyers will. The buyer should never be greeted by a door that needs painting or a door that is difficult unlock. This will leave an impression that the house is not cared for.

·        The exterior of a home can have more curb appeal with the front door painted an intense colour. Shutters and trim paint should compliment the exterior. Always minimize garage doors.

·        Colourful floral accents in the front garden are a must during spring, summer and fall to add interest and be more inviting.